The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission has announced an ambitious initiative to transform the country’s 250th anniversary into a year-long celebration of community service. Dubbed America Gives, this program aims to revitalize volunteerism, which has seen a decline in participation since the pandemic. According to a December 2022 AP-NORC poll, only 28% of Americans reported volunteering their time to charitable organizations this year.
The U.S. will commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and organizers hope to leverage this moment to inspire a renewed commitment to community service. Although there is no specific target for volunteer hours, the goal is to build a culture of service that will enhance the volunteer workforce for nonprofits beyond 2026. The initiative is funded through congressional appropriations and corporate sponsorships, including support from Walmart and Coca-Cola.
Participants can pledge their time and track their volunteer hours via an online platform. Notable nonprofit partners include the Girl Scouts of the USA, which will award a volunteering badge to its approximately 1 million youth members who complete a service project. Additionally, Keep America Beautiful aims to remove 250 million pieces of trash by the Fourth of July 2026.
JustServe, a service project coordinator affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plans to deliver food donations to 250 food banks across the United States using a fleet of semitrucks.
Engaging Young Volunteers in Service
The initiative seeks to engage a younger demographic, which many nonprofits struggle to attract. A March 2023 AP-NORC poll revealed that only one-quarter of adults under 30 participated in charitable activities in the past year, compared to 36% of those over 60. Rosie Rios, chair of America250, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of giving among young people, particularly those in high schools where community service is often a graduation requirement.
Rios noted, “They’re very passionate. They’re very purpose-driven. They do want to give back,” and highlighted efforts to inspire students to cultivate lasting volunteering habits. This initiative aims to provide young individuals with opportunities to connect with their communities in meaningful ways.
Sofia Alvarez from the Youth250 Bureau explained that young people are seeking “third spaces”—environments outside of home, school, or work that foster safe and engaging interactions. Activities that encourage social bonding can significantly contribute to community building.
Sarah Keating, vice president of Girl and Volunteer Experience at the Girl Scouts, acknowledged the need for flexible volunteer opportunities. Given their busy schedules, young people may find it challenging to commit to extensive roles but can contribute in smaller, manageable ways. Keating remarked that America Gives highlights various avenues for volunteering, emphasizing that impactful contributions do not always need to conform to traditional stereotypes.
Building a Culture of Volunteerism
The America Gives initiative seeks to overcome political polarization and declining national pride by uniting individuals around a common cause. Rios stated that research indicates many Americans desire a revival of volunteerism, asserting, “It is about one country. I think there’s gonna be a lot of people who feel like now, more than ever, we all need to stand up.”
Jennifer Lawson, CEO of Keep America Beautiful, aims to mobilize her organization’s national network to engage 4 million volunteers in community improvement projects, including litter cleanups and tree planting. Lawson believes that acts of service can redefine patriotism, saying, “Patriotism in this country is an act of giving into community.”
America Gives will extend its outreach beyond the Fourth of July, focusing on creating sustainable volunteering habits. Registered volunteers can also participate in a sweepstakes, where 250 winners will each donate $4,000 to an approved nonprofit partner. The initiative will also align with national service days, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, to further encourage community involvement.
Rios concluded, “It should be on people’s minds all the time, not just the day that they’re doing service. But how do they plan ahead to keep it going?” As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the America Gives campaign presents an opportunity to redefine service as an integral part of national identity.
